Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, who is making his Bollywood comeback after nine years with Abir Gulal, is now facing threats from an Indian political party who have threatened to stop the release of the movie in India.
The actor will appear along with Bollywood star Vani Kapoor in a romantic comedy movie that is expected to release in cinemas on 9th May, 2025. The makers released the teaser for the movie last week.
The movie is now facing opposition from the Shiv Sena party and the MNS. These parties are protesting against the cast of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the movie. A ban has been in place on casting Pakistani actors in Bollywood movies. Pakistani actors were banned in Bollywood movies following Uri attack in 2016. In 2023, the Bombay High Court ruled against a petition that aimed to ban Pakistani artistes from working or performing in India.
The political leaders of these parties have warned that they will not allow the release of the movie in Maharashtra.
Sandeep Deshpande, city chief, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). told Hindustan Times that, “Our stand is very clear. We will not entertain any movie that has Pakistani artistes. And if such a film is released, we will agitate the MNS way.”
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Ameya Khopkar, a spokesperson for MNS, wrote on X, “Humein aaj hi iss film ke release ki jaankari mili. Lekin hum saaf taur par yeh keh rahe hain ki hum iss film ko Maharashtra mein release nahin hone denge.”
However, fans and Bollywood buffs are excited to see Fawad Khan back in Bollywood. “Yay! Happy to see Fawad! That’s a nice surprise! It seems a promising and sweet romance/ fluffy/comfy vibes wala movie after ages is a chef’s kiss. Hoping they’ll serve,” was one comment on Reddit.
Another comment was, “Yayyy Fawad is back😍😍😍 Hands down the most charming compared to current Bolly heroes !! He is always better suited for the ML in full-time romance flicks rather than being a second lead! And this looks good.”